Dry Bulk & Specialist Cargo Handling

Speaking to Port Technology International, Roger Clasquin, Chief Commercial Officer, RAK Ports, described the needs of a modern port specializing in break bulk, the effects of COVID-19 on the port and what the future holds for the location

This paper looks at how the dry bulk market has fared amid the trade war

This paper offers a review the bulk sector in 2018, and looks to what 2019 holds

This paper looks into the development of the SCORE Samalaju Industrial Park

This paper addresses how the repeal of the ban on exporting US crude oil and the first US LNG export facilities coming online are certainly recent game changers for US energy ports

Why is it that progress in information technology generates so much excitement in the container shipping industry, yet hardly gets any press when it comes to bulk?

To meet the challenges of future global food production demands, grain handling systems need to minimise waste at every stage in the logistics chain. This is why investing in an efficient system is a shrewd long-term decision by a port. Investments in port-machinery are, by their nature, long-term. The World Bank estimates that from now until 2050, global food production will need to increase by at least 50%, despite a crop yield that may by that time have diminished by 25% due to climate change. Ports, shipping and logistics will come under unprecedented pressure to ensure that as little grain cargo as possible is wasted. Handling facilities which spill, degrade, or otherwise waste these increasingly vital grain cargoes will not be regarded sympathetically – wise considerations for port operators when making their next investment.

When unloading bulk commodities from cargo ships, there are several major challenges to consider in mitigating fugitive dust emissions, including: wind velocity, type of cargo, height of the ship, unloading method and the port’s proximity to residential and commercial areas. All of these factors can impact air quality compliance and workplace safety, as well as community relations. As local, state and federal air quality regulations get stricter, the issue of fugitive dust control and resulting runoff of water used to suppress fugitive dust becomes an increasing concern for port operators.